Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to Fred Matiang’i, marking a major change in the party’s leadership.
The handover took place in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during a meeting with Jubilee officials. However, the transition remains subject to formal approval by the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC).
Uhuru Kenyatta Moves to Advisory Role
Kenyatta said he will remain a Jubilee Party member after leaving the party leadership. He will also continue supporting the party in a senior advisory capacity.
The transition follows a recent High Court ruling concerning the political activities of retired presidents.
Court Ruling
On September 14, 2026, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
The provision restricts retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties beyond six months after leaving office.
The ruling did not prevent former presidents from remaining party members or participating in political activities. Kenyatta subsequently said he respected the ruling and was ready to facilitate the Jubilee leadership transition.
Fred Matiang’i Takes Over
Matiang’i now takes over the Jubilee leadership, pending the required NDC approval. The former Interior Cabinet Secretary is one of the senior figures who have been involved in Jubilee’s leadership succession discussions.
Jubilee has also been dealing with internal leadership disputes and changes as the party prepares for the next election cycle.
Jubilee’s 2027 Political Direction
The leadership change comes less than a year before the 2027 General Election. However, claims that Matiang’i is already the party’s presidential flagbearer should be treated cautiously.
The available reports confirm his leadership transition but do not establish a final 2027 presidential nomination. The party will still have to follow its internal processes on future nominations and political strategy.
What Happens Next?
The National Delegates Convention will formally determine whether the leadership handover is ratified. Meanwhile, Kenyatta is expected to remain involved in Jubilee as a senior adviser and party member.
The transition also comes as Kenya’s political parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 election. Uhuru Kenyatta has handed Jubilee Party leadership to Fred Matiang’i on September 22, 2026.
The transition is not yet final, as it still requires NDC approval. Kenyatta will remain a Jubilee member and take on a senior advisory role.
